The Woodgate Post Office is just the latest in the Mohawk Valley to face possible closure because of budget constraints. Our Sarah Blazonis tells us about the latest step the community is taking to keep it open.

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ONEIDA COUNTY, N.Y. -- That daily stop to the local post office is a way of life for many Woodgate residents.

"It's been part of the community for 135 years. It's very important to have that identity, that 13494 zip code as the identity of Woodgate, NY," said John Isley, a lifelong Woodgate resident and deputy supervisor of the town of Forestport.

That could change if the U.S. Postal Service decides to shut down the branch. It's been without a Post Master for two years, one reason it's being targeted.

"It gives us an opportunity to look at whether or not we want to continue with a facility and that infrastructure," said Maureen Marion, a public affairs specialist for the United States Postal Service.

One possible alternative is the addition of a rural route, something the post office says could actually be more convenient for customers.

"A rural route is really a post office on wheels. They're able to service your needs for stamps and money orders, they can accept packages," said Marion.

"Is it convenient to stand outside in the middle of January waiting for your rural carrier to come along to buy a stamp? No, it's really not," said Isley. "It's convenient to go to a central location."

Local officials met with a representative from Congressman Bill Owens' office Tuesday in Forestport to ask for his help in keeping the office open. They say it plays too important a role in the community to close.

"The fire department leases the building to the post office which, in turn pays for emergency equipment they purchase from the lease. Secondly, it serves a convenient summer population," said Isley.

Reaching out to representatives in Washington has paid off for the hamlet before, it was their local congressman who helped save the building the last time it was in danger of closing in 1976.